By Ali and Josh Van Orden · AVO Real Estate | Keller Williams Realty East Idaho · Facts checked Oct 20, 2026
Looking for easy hikes near Idaho Falls, or a few good hikes near Rexburg before the snow settles in? Here are the walks and trails we'd point a neighbor to this time of year, from in-town river paths to a climb up an old volcano. Everything here comes from the land manager's own page, and conditions change quickly in fall, so give the link a look before you go.
Easy hikes and walks in Idaho Falls
The Idaho Falls River Walk (some folks call it the Greenbelt) covers about 5 miles on both sides of the Snake River. The city posts handy loop distances: around Freeman Park is 1.0 mile, Broadway to Pancheri and back is 1.4 miles, and Broadway to John's Hole and around is 2.3 miles. City of Idaho Falls: River Walk
Easy hikes and walks in Rexburg
Rexburg's Nature Park (5th West and 3rd North) has walking paths around ponds and a canal system right in town. To get in, stay on 5th West past the City shop buildings. City of Rexburg: Nature Park
Riverside Park (50 W 2nd N) is the middle park in Rexburg's Teton River Corridor Park and Trail System, with walking trails along the way. City of Rexburg: Riverside Park
A short climb with a big view: North Menan Butte
Between Idaho Falls and Rexburg, the twin Menan Buttes are what the BLM calls two of the world's largest tuff cones, volcanoes that formed when magma met groundwater. The BLM trail up North Menan Butte runs about 3.1 miles from the parking area to the top, around the rim and back down. There's a vault toilet and interpretive signs, and no day-use fee. The butte is open to non-motorized use only, so please minimize your impact to help protect the vegetation and prevent erosion. BLM: North Menan Butte Trail
Kelly Canyon trails (Caribou-Targhee National Forest)
The Forest Service approved a project (decision signed April 30, 2025) to designate a formal non-motorized trail system, planned mainly with mountain bikers in mind, in the Kelly Canyon area on the Palisades Ranger District north of Swan Valley. Check the Forest Service map for what's open before you go, and download it ahead of time, since you don't need a phone signal to use it. Kelly Canyon Mountain Bike Trails project · Caribou-Targhee maps
Harriman State Park (Island Park)
Harriman has 22 miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails through meadows, along the river and into the forest. Once the snow comes, the park grooms trails for cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing and fat biking are welcome too (just stay off the groomed ski track). There's a vehicle entrance fee, and a separate winter trail pass once the snow comes. Pets stay in the parking lots; they aren't allowed on trails or roads. The park's bear-aware tips: make noise, travel in groups, stick to daylight hours and carry bear spray and a bell. Parts of the park are under construction from approximately Labor Day through Halloween, so follow posted signs. Harriman State Park
Closures to know about
Cress Creek Nature Trail, on the South Fork of the Snake River, is closed for now because of the Big Rock Fire of August 2026. BLM: Cress Creek Nature Trail
Mesa Falls (Upper and Lower) are closed for construction, and the Forest Service's goal is to reopen in the spring. Caribou-Targhee update
Before any drive into the hills, check Idaho's road report at 511.idaho.gov.
Thinking about living near here? Take a look at our Rexburg community guide.
Happy to talk it through anytime
Thinking about a move to East Idaho, or just curious what a town is like day to day? We're always happy to talk it through, no pressure at all. Reach out anytime. You can also call or text Ali and Josh at 208-271-4250, browse homes at search.avorealestate.com, or find quick answers in our FAQ.
Sources
River Walk covers 5 miles on both sides of the Snake River; Freeman Park 1.0 mi; Broadway–John's Hole and around 2.3 mi; Broadway–Pancheri and back 1.4 mi: City of Idaho Falls, checked Oct 20, 2026
Rexburg Nature Park: nature/walking trails, ponds, canal; 5th West & 3rd North; access via 5th W past City shop: City of Rexburg, checked Oct 20, 2026
Riverside Park: middle park of the Teton River Corridor Park and Trail System; walking trails; 50 W 2nd N: City of Rexburg, checked Oct 20, 2026
Menan Buttes: BLM calls them two of the world's largest tuff cones; minimize impact to protect vegetation and prevent erosion; North Butte trail 3.1 mi; vault toilet, interpretive signs; no day-use fees; non-motorized only: Bureau of Land Management, checked Oct 20, 2026
Kelly Canyon Mountain Bike Trails project: decision signed Apr 30, 2025; non-motorized; Palisades RD, north of Swan Valley: USDA Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee, checked Oct 20, 2026
Forest maps usable without a phone signal: USDA Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee, checked Oct 20, 2026
Harriman: 22 miles of hiking/biking/horse trails; groomed Nordic trails, snowshoes and fat bikes off the groomed track; vehicle entrance fee and Winter Access Pass; pets only in parking lots (no trail or road access); bear-aware tips; construction approximately Labor Day through Halloween: Idaho Parks and Recreation, checked Oct 20, 2026
Cress Creek Nature Trail closed due to the Big Rock Fire of August 2026: Bureau of Land Management, checked Oct 20, 2026
Mesa Falls closed for construction; goal to reopen in spring: USDA Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee, checked Oct 20, 2026
Idaho 511 road report: Idaho 511, checked Oct 20, 2026
